Sole-Source Contracts
A contract awarded without competition because the agency has determined only one source can perform the work — a procurement method, not a small-business program. Several set-aside programs allow sole-source awards within certain dollar thresholds.
Who qualifies
Sole-source awards are made when an agency determines (with written justification, called a J&A — Justification and Approval) that only one responsible source can meet the requirement. Justifications include: only one source exists, urgency, national security, or follow-on work where competition would duplicate cost. Within the small-business programs (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, EDWOSB, SDVOSB), sole-source awards are allowed up to specific dollar thresholds without the "only one source" finding.
How to certify
Sole-source is a procurement method, not a certification. To be considered for sole-source awards, your firm must (1) be in active conversation with the contracting officer about the requirement, (2) have a documented capability that meets the agency's need, and (3) for set-aside sole-source, hold the relevant certification (8(a), HUBZone, etc.).
What it gets you
Award without competing against other firms — when it works. Sole-source set-aside thresholds: 8(a) up to $4.5M / $7M (manufacturing), HUBZone $4M / $7M, WOSB/EDWOSB $4.5M / $7M, SDVOSB $4M / $7M.
Common misconception
Sole-source does not mean "guaranteed" or "easy." Most sole-source justifications are challenged by other vendors, and contracting officers must document why sole-source was justified. Bid protests on sole-source awards are not uncommon.
Live bids referencing Sole Source
- FY 27 Sole Source: Illinois Firefighter Memorial Foundation
- Sole Source - DNR EcoCAT Application
- OMM E Permit SP w/sole source
- RFP Sole Source Solicitation for IBM SPSS
- RFP Solicitation for Sole Source Advertisement for Reach Student Life Management
- RFI SOLE SOURCE ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIATIES
- RFI SOLE SOURCE DAVEY RESOURCE GROUP
- Intent to Sole Source - Berry Medicine The Department of Public Health and Human Services is intending to Sole Source with: Berry Medicine
- Sole Source No. 4729; for the sole source certification of clinical decision database subscriptions for the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
- Sole Source No. 4747; for the sole source certification of Fire Records Management System software maintenance for the Insurance Department.